Locate an Auto Repair Shop in Sparks, Nevada

It’s encouraging that Mazda is introducing an entirely new line of engines in 2012 and still offering a choice of manual or automatic transmissions! Mazda is marketing the engines, transmissions and related-technologies under the “SKYACTIV” name. The 2012 Mazda3 will continue with the same 2.0L (sedan) and 2.5L (5-door) MZR engines standard. Manual transmissions (5-speed with the 2.0L, 6-speed on 2.5L models) will remain standard and a 5-speed automatic will be available with either. BUT the new 2.0L SKYACTIV-G (for gas, diesel variants will follow in some (all?) markets) will be an option in the 4-door and the 5-door. It will be paired with a choice of two all-new transmission- SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic. In the sedan, it has EPA ratings of 28/40 (DRIVE A/T) and 27/39 with the MT. Here is how Mazda details the new 6-speed manual- “For SKYACTIV-MT, the goal was to achieve a shift feel that is sporty, brisk and responds to the driver. To accomplish this, not only was the shift-lever stroke shortened by about 10 percent compared to the current six-speed manual (available only in models equipped with the MZR 2.5-liter engine or MZR 2.3-liter Direct-Injection Spark Ignition turbo engine) but other technologies were applied as well: a down type system, lock ball type synchronizer, shift load canceler, slide ball bearing and locating 2nd and 3rd gears on a common shaft. By reconfiguring the current six-speed manual transmission, its weight was reduced by approximately 4.4 pounds due to the need for fewer components, while creating a quicker and crisper shift feel.” Mazda appears to be committed to manual transmissions (at least in the Mazda3), which is better than nothing... =)

Hey everyone, I just bought by 2000 Lincoln LS V6 about a month ago. Since then I have (myself) replaced both valve cover gaskets, all 6 spark plugs, all 6 spark plug coils, the water pump, a new radiatior, radiatior hoses. But now it is having trouble shifting. It is almost "sticking" in 3 or 4 gear. And the only way to get it to shift and to pop it in Neutral put it back in Drive and then it shifts really hard. After that it is fine. but it doesnt do it all of the time just randomly. And it is also (only when it is idleing or at a stop) the car will act like it is going to die and then does die unless I keep my foot on the gas pedal and keep the RPM's a little over a 1000. What is going on with my car? Can anyone help?

Ah, too bad. The damn fools obviously didn't set it up right at all. If the carbs are not in synch, the engine goes dead. But when everything is right it's a very peppy car. I remember selling one of mine to someone who loved the way it ran. Some months later I met them and asked about the car (a lovely 71 white roadster). They said "it's never run the same as when you had it". So I took it back for a week and re-tuned it, and it ran great. Once again, within 6 months his mechanics had it running like a dead dog. Did they even READ the manual? I doubt it. I found just about every spec whacked out. I don't think carburetor mixture screws rotate themselves 12 turns out of adjustment! And believe me, I was no MGB genius! Fintail could tell you how his Mercedes 220SE would run if someone adjusted the points wrong, the valves too tight, and installed Champion spark plugs originally made for a lawnmower. That's about how I got my MGB back.

The rain god! He could really drive in the rain. There's something about him that sparks devotion. Schumacher would go on to greater numbers, but never had the same devoted following.

I have a 2006 ford expedition eddie bauer and when taking off it feels like it is missing a gear, then when slowing down it downshifts hard. I have replaced the spark plugs, changed the oil and filter, replaced the transmission oil filter since it has 60k miles on it. This was the original filter because the dipstick plug was still in the pan when I dropped it. I put the correct transmission fluid per the man. specifications. I cannot see the transmission going bad with only 60k miles on it. Is there some kind of sensor or vacuum line that I can check?